Professor Pat Utomi’s proposal to create what he referred to as “a shadow government” in the nation was ruled unconstitutional by an Abuja Federal High Court.
The decision was reportedly given Monday morning by Justice James Omotosho.
In the case designated FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, the Department of State Services (DSS) argued that Utomi’s action was meant to cause disorder and destabilize the nation.
The DSS believes that in addition to being an anomaly, the proposed shadow government is a serious assault on the Constitution and a danger to the incumbent democratically elected administration.
It raised concerns that, if unchecked, such a structure—dubbed a “shadow government”—may spark political upheaval, exacerbate tensions between groups, and give other illegal actors or separatist organizations the confidence to follow suit, all of which would seriously jeopardize national security.
According to the plaintiff, the alleged “shadow government” or “shadow cabinet” that Utomi and his associates are planning is “unconstitutional and amounts to an attempt to create a parallel authority not recognized by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
The establishment or operation of any governmental authority or structure outside the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is unconstitutional, null, and void, according to Sections 1(1), 1(2), and 14(2)(a) of the Constitution, the DSS is also requesting.
Details to follow.
